Welcome back to what would have been the ninth edition of the “Jets Nation year in review” series to wrap up the Winnipeg Jets 2025-26 season. However, today is Canada Day, which also happens to be the first day of NHL free agency. With the NHL draft done almost a week ago, the most exciting day of the NHL off-season arrived with teams league wide looking to sign free agents. While most of the big names for free agency were off the board (having recently signed extensions), there were still plenty of players available on the open market.

The Jets most notable signing on day one of NHL free agency was goaltender Stuart Skinner. After joining the Pittsburgh Penguins last season via trade from the Oilers, Skinner agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Jets. Immediately after this signing, speculation began if a Connor Hellebuyck trade was close to happening, but TSN inside Darren Dreger confirmed that a Hellebuyck trade was not imminent.

Skinner becomes the Jets new backup goalie, as Eric Comrie signed later in the day with the San Jose Sharks (more on that later). The now 27-year old Skinner had a 23-17-9 record last season with an overall .888 SV% and a 2.92 GAA split between his time with the Oilers and Penguins. Skinner struggled in the playoffs with the Penguins, but the Jets are hoping that Skinner can be a reliable backup goalie behind Hellebuyck in the upcoming season.

The 2nd most notable Jets signing on July 1st was defenceman Mario Ferraro. A three-year contract was agreed on with an average annual value of $4 million. Ferraro recorded 23 points last season with the Sharks, appearing in all 82 games. The 27-year old left handed defenceman will provide quality depth for the Jets on the left side, and he’s projected to play on the 3rd pairing behind Josh Morrissey and Dylan Samberg.

A 3rd and final less notable signing made by the Jets today was forward Noah Gregor. The former Florida Panthers forward signed a one-year, two-way contract for $850,000. The 27 year old (all three of the Jets signings were 27 years old oddly enough) recorded 9 points last season in 37 games with the Panthers. Gregor also spent some time in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers, recording 17 points in 26 games. Gregor, like Skinner and Ferraro, is Canadian, and represented Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Championship.

The Jets also made a minor trade on June 29th with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Headed to the Penguins is forward David Gustafsson. In return, the Jets received defenceman Jack St. Ivany. The 26-year old defenceman recorded 7 assists in 20 games with the Penguins last season. St. Ivany will provide some depth on the right side of the blue line, and will likely begin the season with the Manitoba Moose in the AHL.

While the Jets added four new players to their roster, their were six players who were on Jets roster last season who won’t be returning for the 2026-27 season. Jonathan Toews has officially announced his retirement after his hall-of-fame worthy career. Colin Miller is headed to Europe to join the Lausanne HC in the Swiss league on a one-year deal.

The fan-favourite backup goalie Eric Comrie is headed to the San Jose Sharks after signing a two-year contract for $1.15 million AAV. Jacob Bryson, a defenceman acquired in the Logan Stanley to the Sabres trade, signed with the Detroit Red Wings on a one-year deal worth $850,000. David Gustafsson is headed to the Penguins in the St. Ivany trade. Last but not least, the Golden Knights signed Ville Heinola to a one-way, one-year contract worth $850,000.

Overall, the Jets had a pretty successful first day of free agency. The players departing from the Jets were mostly used in depth roles, and Stuart Skinner replaces Eric Comrie in the backup role at this moment. Mario Ferraro is a very solid addition to bolster the Jets blue line on the left side, and Noah Gregor could see some time in the bottom six depending on any other moves the Jets decide to make this off-season.

The 2026 NHL free agency continues for day two tomorrow. Stay tuned for the next edition of the Jets Nation “year in review” series article coming in a few days, and the latest free agent and trade news from the Jets in the upcoming days!

The Toyota Tacoma is the ultimate power play. Its standard i-FORCE engine delivers more power than ever and a towing capacity of up to 6,400 lbs. It helps you take on challenging landscapes with confidence with its available Panoramic Multi-Terrain View Monitor that provides a live, underfloor view of the terrain you’re tackling. It even makes loading and unloading gear effortless with its available Power Liftgate. Whether it’s for early morning practice or weekend away games, the Tacoma is a teammate you can rely on. Visit your local Prairie Toyota dealer during Red Tag Days for limited-time offers.